cloth

noun

ˈklȯth 

plural cloths ˈklȯt͟hz  ˈklȯths 

often attributive

1

a

: a pliable material made usually by weaving, felting, or knitting natural or synthetic fibers and filaments

terry cloth

a linen cloth

b

: a similar material (as of glass)

Woven glass cloth produces a strong laminate.

2

: a piece of cloth adapted for a particular purpose

especially : tablecloth

3

a

: a distinctive dress of a profession or calling

b

: the dress of the clergy

also : clergy

had respect for the cloth

Synonyms

• fabric
• textile

Examples of cloth in a Sentence

The dress is made out of a beautiful silk cloth.

Wipe the surface with a clean dry cloth.

He has great respect for the cloth.

Recent Examples on the Web

At great risk, Hamida disguises herself as a khes (a thick cotton cloth) seller and enters the house to plan with Lajo an escape route. —JSTOR Daily, 30 Oct. 2025

Sympathetic, apparently, to Geralt’s quest to save Ciri, Regis decides to join the gang on the road — though a closing shot of Regis privately savoring the scent of Geralt’s blood on a cloth raises some troubling questions for the show to answer down the road. —Scott Meslow, Vulture, 30 Oct. 2025

For mirrors, apply a small amount of WD-40 to a microfiber cloth first, and then use it to rub water spots in a circular motion. —Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Oct. 2025

Dry the countertops with a clean, dry cloth to prevent water spots. —Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 29 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English clāth cloth, garment; akin to Middle High German kleit garment

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing cloth

• a man of the cloth
• cloth yard
• cut from the same cloth
• drop cloth
• grass cloth
• ground cloth
• hardware cloth
• kente cloth
• man of the cloth
• monk's cloth
• out of whole cloth
• piña cloth
• press cloth
• sponge cloth
• tea cloth
• the cloth
• venetian cloth
• whole cloth
• wire cloth

Rhymes for cloth

• broth
• doth
• froth
• goth
• loth
• moth
• swath
• wroth
• broadcloth
• cheesecloth
• loincloth
• neckcloth

Kids Definition

cloth

noun

ˈklȯth 

plural cloths ˈklȯt͟hz  ˈklȯths 

1

: a woven or knitted material (as of cotton or nylon)

2

: a piece of cloth used for a particular purpose

a polishing cloth

3

: tablecloth